Easy Granny Square Pattern: Free Step-by-Step Guide

By Aqsa Shakeel | Mehroosh Crochet Co

Make a classic crochet square with groups of three double crochet stitches. This free granny square pattern starts with a small chain ring and grows over five rounds.

This easy granny square pattern includes a step-by-step guide with illustrated rounds and stitch counts to help you practise double crochet groups, chain spaces and corners.

Each round adds groups along the sides. Four corner spaces shape the square.

Choose one light yarn colour for your first try. It helps you see the stitches and follow the spaces.

Before You Start

This granny square pattern uses US crochet terms. You will work in joined rounds, keeping the same side facing you.

You need to know how to make:

• A slip knot.
• Chain stitches.
• Slip stitches.
• Double crochet stitches.

Our beginner crochet guide explains the starting skills. Use the double crochet refresher below before working this square.

The granny square pattern has five rounds, with no separate border.

Materials

• Smooth, light-coloured medium-weight / #4 yarn.
• A crochet hook within the recommended range on the yarn label.
• Scissors.
• A blunt yarn needle.
• Optional removable stitch markers.

Use the same yarn and hook throughout this granny square pattern.

Size and Gauge

This granny square pattern has no fixed gauge or finished size. Yarn, hook size and tension will affect its width.

Measure your finished square after any blocking. If you want several matching squares, use the same materials and compare their sizes before joining.

Abbreviations

US double crochet is called treble crochet in UK terms. Follow the US stitch names in this granny square pattern. The Craft Yarn Council abbreviation chart lists the differences.

Pattern Notes

Three Separate Stitches Make a Group

DC3 means make three complete double crochet stitches in the stated space.

Finish each DC before making the next. Do not join their tops as a DC3TOG cluster.

Corners and Sides Use Different Spaces

From Round 2 onward, a normal corner is:

DC3, CH2, DC3—all in one old CH2 corner space.

An old side CH1 space receives just DC3.

Make CH1 between groups along the sides. The gap within a corner uses CH2.

Starting CH3 Counts as One DC

At the start of every round:

CH3 + DC2 = one three-stitch group.

The starting CH3 counts as one DC in the totals. Do not add a third actual DC beside it.

Where to Join

Close every round with SL ST into the third chain of that round’s starting CH3.

Joining and travelling slip stitches do not count as DC.

Do not turn between rounds in this granny square pattern.

Double Crochet Refresher

1. Yarn over.
2. Insert the hook into the stated ring or space.
3. Yarn over and bring a loop through the opening. There are three loops on the hook.
4. Yarn over and pull through the first two loops. Two loops remain.
5. Yarn over and pull through both remaining loops.

One live loop remains. Your DC is complete. Use this stitch for each group in the granny square pattern.

Slip Stitch Refresher

Insert the hook into the stated stitch or space. Yarn over and draw that yarn through the opening and the live loop on your hook.

Use this stitch to close a round or move to another working point.

Free Granny Square Pattern

Foundation Ring

Start the granny square pattern with a slip knot, then CH4.

SL ST into the first chain made to close the ring.

Find the centre hole. All Round 1 DC stitches go through this hole, not into individual foundation chains.

Round 1

1. CH3, then work DC2 into the ring.
2. CH2.
3. Work DC3 into the ring, CH2. Repeat this step two more times.
4. SL ST into the third chain of the starting CH3.

Count: 12 DC, four three-stitch groups and four CH2 corner spaces.

There are no CH1 side spaces in this round. The small centre may not look sharply square yet.

Move to the Next Corner

After joining Round 1:

1. SL ST into the next DC.
2. SL ST into the next DC.
3. SL ST into the next CH2 corner space.

Your hook now sits in the corner space.

Use these same three travelling slip stitches before Rounds 2–5. Keep the yarn attached. Do not turn.

The DC stitches in each new round go into spaces. The travelling slip stitches go through the stated DC tops and then into the corner space.

Round 2

Move to the next corner.

1. In that corner space, work CH3, DC2, CH2, DC3.
2. CH1.
3. In the next corner space, work DC3, CH2, DC3, then CH1.
4. Repeat Step 3 two more times.
5. SL ST into the third chain of the starting CH3.

Count: 24 DC, eight groups, four CH1 side spaces and four CH2 corners.

Each corner has two groups. One CH1 gap runs between each pair of corners.

Round 3

Move to the next corner.

1. In that corner space, work CH3, DC2, CH2, DC3.
2. CH1, work DC3 into the next side CH1 space, then CH1.
3. In the next corner space, work DC3, CH2, DC3, then CH1.
4. Work DC3 into the next side CH1 space, then CH1.
5. Repeat Steps 3–4 two more times.
6. SL ST into the third chain of the starting CH3.

Count: 36 DC, 12 groups, eight CH1 side spaces and four CH2 corners.

You have worked one old side space along each side.

Round 4

Move to the next corner.

1. In that corner space, work CH3, DC2, CH2, DC3.
2. CH1.
3. In each of the next two side CH1 spaces, work DC3 followed by CH1.
4. In the next corner space, work DC3, CH2, DC3, then CH1.
5. In each of the next two side CH1 spaces, work DC3 followed by CH1.
6. Repeat Steps 4–5 two more times.
7. SL ST into the third chain of the starting CH3.

Count: 48 DC, 16 groups, 12 CH1 side spaces and four CH2 corners.

Round 5

Move to the next corner.

1. In that corner space, work CH3, DC2, CH2, DC3.
2. CH1.
3. In each of the next three side CH1 spaces, work DC3 followed by CH1.
4. In the next corner space, work DC3, CH2, DC3, then CH1.
5. In each of the next three side CH1 spaces, work DC3 followed by CH1.
6. Repeat Steps 4–5 two more times.
7. SL ST into the third chain of the starting CH3.

Count: 60 DC, 20 groups, 16 CH1 side spaces and four CH2 corners.

Stop here for the five-round square. Fasten off without travelling to another corner.

If you want a larger square, keep the yarn attached and follow the extension below.

Round Count Table

The DC totals include the starting CH3 as one DC. Chain spaces are listed separately.

In this granny square pattern, each new round adds 12 DC, four groups and four side spaces. There are always four corner spaces.

Finish the Square

Cut the yarn, leaving a tail about 15 cm / 6 inches long.

Pull the cut end fully through the live loop. Snug it gently.

Thread the tail through a yarn needle. Weave through several stitches inside the fabric. Change direction through a nearby path, keeping the stitches relaxed.

Trim the extra yarn. Hide the starting tail in the same way.

Blocking

Smooth the square on a flat surface.

If it needs blocking, follow the yarn’s care instructions. Shape the corners gently and let the fabric dry fully before measuring.

Check the granny square pattern counts first. Blocking will not replace a missed group or remove an extra corner.

Extend the Granny Square Pattern

To work Round 6, move to the next corner after joining Round 5.

1. In that corner, work CH3, DC2, CH2, DC3, then CH1.
2. In each of the next four side CH1 spaces, work DC3 followed by CH1.
3. In the next corner, work DC3, CH2, DC3, then CH1.
4. In each of the next four side CH1 spaces, work DC3 followed by CH1.
5. Repeat Steps 3–4 two more times.
6. SL ST into the third chain of the starting CH3.

Round 6 count: 72 DC, 24 groups, 20 CH1 side spaces and four CH2 corners.

Further Rounds

Use the same route for each new round:

• Work the starting corner once.
• Work across the first side.
• Complete the next corner and side three times in total.
• Join to the starting CH3.

Do not work into the starting corner again before joining.

The number of old side spaces to work into increases by one each round:

For Round n:

• Work into n − 2 old side spaces per side.
• Finished DC total = 12 × n.
• Finished group total = 4 × n.
• Finished CH1 side spaces = 4 × (n − 1).
• Finished CH2 corners = four.

This version keeps the same side facing throughout. Check the shape as it grows; larger squares may develop a twist. Turning between rounds is a separate method and would need different starting-position instructions.

Common Mistakes

More Than Four Corners

From Round 2 onward, only the four old CH2 corner spaces receive DC3, CH2, DC3.

Side CH1 spaces receive one DC3 group each. Mark the corners if you lose track of them.

Four Stitches in the Starting Group

Count the CH3 as your first DC.

Only two actual DC stitches go beside it. Together, they make a group of three.

Unequal Sides

When following this granny square pattern, compare the groups along all four sides.

A missed space or extra group can change one side’s length. Undo the work to the mistake and correct it before adding more rounds.

An Awkward Round Join

Find the starting CH3 and join into its third chain.

In Rounds 2 onward, make the final CH1 before the joining slip stitch.

Cupping or Rippling

Check that each group has three stitches, each side gap uses CH1, and each corner uses CH2.

If the counts are right, try adjusting your tension or hook within the yarn’s recommended range. Compare a fresh sample before stretching the fabric into shape.

Questions About the Pattern

Can a Beginner Make This Square?

Yes. This granny square pattern is suitable once you can work chains, slip stitches and double crochet. Take one round at a time and check its totals.

Can I Use Cotton?

Yes. Match the hook to the cotton yarn. The finished size and feel may differ from a square made with another fibre.

Can I Make Fewer Rounds?

Yes. Join and fasten off after any complete round.

Do I Need a Magic Ring?

No. This pattern uses a CH4 ring.

What Can I Make with Several Squares?

You can use squares in blankets, cushions or bags. Those projects also need a layout, joining instructions and any extra finishing.

This granny square pattern covers the square itself.

Keep a Record of Your Square

Write down the yarn, hook and finished width. Keep those notes with your granny square pattern so you can make another square to match.

For a larger flat project made from matching squares, weigh and measure a finished sample before using the yarn quantity calculator as an area-based planning estimate. Allow separately for joining, borders and finishing. Use the yarn cost calculator when you are ready to compare whole-ball purchases.

Our guide to reading crochet patterns explains written repeats. Visit the tutorials hub for related lessons.

Pattern written by Aqsa Shakeel for Mehroosh Crochet Co.